Withycombe Under-9s experienced an amazing turnaround in fortunes during a three-match meeting with Torquay.

In the first game Withy began slowly and ended second best to a larger and more powerful Torquay outfit. The Withy effort was admirable and they scored a splendid consolation try after good work involving Brendan Moore and Charlie Tucker led to Ben Jeffery crashing over. That proved to be the only Withy success in a game they lost 9-1.

There was an improved showing in the second match with Thomas Lawrence, Tyler Gover and Corey Mills coming to the fore with some terrific tackling.

Although Torquay won again, the scores were much closer at 4-2 with the Withy tries coming from the free running Jack McBryan and the excellent Jamie Thompson.

In classic ‘saving the best for last’ mode, Withy served up a wonderful all-round performance in the final game. Some pacey – and elusive – running from Abigail Cotter and Otto Montgomery-Ames led to tries for both. With lots of vastly improved tackling across the pitch the loose ball was expertly and swiftly passed wide from Lewis Tose for Kieran Long to cross and Withy ultimately bagged a 5-3 win.

The mornings’ rugby was played in great spirit and Torquay proved to be exceptional hosts.